Share this Page

Pulis: McClean accepts situation

Date published: Tuesday 21st July 2015 11:50

Albion boss Pulis has warned new recruit McClean he must protect his reputation after the incident during the club’s tour of the United States.

McClean, who joined the Baggies this summer from League One Wigan Athletic in a deal worth £1.5m, turned his back on a picture of the cross of St George and bowed his head during the English national anthem prior to his new side’s 2-1 pre-season victory over Charleston Battery in South Carolina.

The 26-year-old winger comes from a republican background in Northern Ireland and previously refused to wear a Remembrance Day poppy, during his time with Sunderland and Wigan, as a mark of respect for the victims of 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre in Derry.

Sky Sports revealed on Monday that Pulis had made it clear to McClean that he must tone down his political stance in public and the Baggies boss hopes that will be the end of the matter.

“Obviously there has been a stigma around him and he doesn’t need to start that up again,” Pulis told the Wolverhampton Express & Star.

“So hopefully we’ve nipped it in the bud and we can get on with our things and he can get on with his things. I didn’t see the situation but I had a chat with him and explained what we do as a football club and the way we are and I think he’s fine with everything.

“We’ve got Northern Ireland lads in the squad and he’s been absolutely fantastic with them, and the way he’s mixed and integrated with the group has been brilliant.

“I’ve seen the pictures and he’s got to turn towards the flag like everybody else has and he recognises that.”